British Horror Thriller “Hollowbody” Blurs the Line Between Homage and Copycat

Hollowbody: A Hauntingly Familiar Horror Game

Developer: Headware Games
Publisher: Headware Games
Played on: PC via Steam
Availability: Out now

As I delve into the world of Hollowbody, I’m struck by the sense that its magic doesn’t lie in otherworldly places, but rather in the rubble of the ordinary. The game’s setting, a future with flying cars and holographic IDs, is eerily familiar, with a damp, dark British weather that feels all too real. In fact, I could easily exit my front door and take you to half a dozen housing estates in my immediate vicinity that boast the same identikit 60s semis seen in Hollowbody.

The Unsettling Familiarity of Horror

There’s something unsettling about exploring abandoned flats and canvassing empty streets in Hollowbody. It’s a world that’s both familiar and yet, utterly unsettling. I’ve always had a penchant for horror set against the humdrum, and Hollowbody delivers. The game’s atmosphere is slow-burning, building tension as you navigate the dark, damp corridors and abandoned rooms.

The Power of Setting

But what truly sets Hollowbody apart is its setting. The game’s Britishness is a key factor in its unsettling nature. Hearing characters discuss their suicide pact in regional accents, for example, makes the game’s themes of anguish and agony all the more jarring. It’s a world that’s bruised and broken, with tiny vignettes sharing voyeuristic peeks into people’s last moments.

The Dark Side of Reality

As you explore, the game’s bleakness only intensifies. You’ll stumble upon the remains of those who’ve died, alone or together, with some having taken their own lives. Others died slowly and painfully, while others sought refuge at church, only to be met with death anyway. The game’s use of dirty sheets to obscure the faces of the dead is a powerful reminder of the tragedy that’s unfolded.

Inspiration and Originality

Of course, Hollowbody’s world-building isn’t novel in gaming. Many games have done it before, and the game’s fixed camera angles, dark score, and polygon-tastic graphics are reminiscent of survival horror games like Silent Hill. In fact, Hollowbody’s soundtrack, use of a pocket flashlight, and inventory screen all feel familiar, as do some of the game’s story moments.

Conclusion

Despite its familiarity, Hollowbody is a game that stands on its own. It’s a deliciously atmospheric, slow-burn horror that’s well worth playing. While it may not be original, it’s a game that’s been crafted with care, and its British setting adds a unique layer of depth to the game’s themes of anguish and agony.